Record Reviews

CUSTOM TRIO ~ BACK POINT NOT TWO 736 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 - 2001 Released: 2002 This is the second album by the Polish Custom TrioFind albums by this artist, which consists of saxophonist Krzysztof KapelFind albums by this artist, bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist – Poland´s most respected Free Jazz rhythm section). Saxophonist Maciej SikalaFind albums by this artist guests on one track. In between the recording of their debut album and this one, the trio also recorded a couple of albums with the legendary trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist, one of them live with a different saxophonist (Janusz SmykFind albums by this artist). The album includes eight original compositions, five of which were composed by Bartlomiej Oles and the remaining three by Marcin Oles. For people familiar with the previous recordings by the Custom Trio will find this album quite surprising, as it is much more "docile" then any of their former work. The music is low-key, contemplative and very melodic, the rhythm section is relaxed and almost "conventional" and the saxophone improvisations, which are the focus of the album, although very Free Jazz in spirit, are all non aggressive and rounded. The overall sound and ambience of the album are very Coltranesque, which of course brings this album to a much wider potential audience, well beyond the Free Jazz buffs and into the modern mainstream. The individual statements are of course exceptional, especially those by Kapel, who emerges on this album as one of the most able Polish Jazz modernists. But of course the Oles Brothers firmly testify their amazing interplay and cooperation, which is as usual the driving force and solid ground upon which the saxophone solos are based. The album is full of virtuosity from start to finish and should satisfy even the sternest Jazz connoisseurs. It is a pity this album is rarely mentioned among the best Polish Jazz recordings originating from the first post Millennium decade, as it truly deserves. What a pity they did not continue to record any more such wonderful music.

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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CUSTOM TRIO / ANDRZEJ PRZYBIELSKI ~ FREE BOP POLONIA 226 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2000 This is probably the best album recorded by the recently deceased Polish trumpet virtuoso / composer Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist, who remains largely unknown to most Jazz aficionados even in his native country. An eccentric and outsider, Przybielski was blessed with an incredible talent, which unfortunately was recognized only by very few connoisseurs. This studio recording, obviously well planned and relaxed, allows the great trumpeter to relax fully and play his heart out to the fullest, accompanied by excellent musicians worthy of his company, which are called Custom TrioFind albums by this artist. The trio consists of saxophonist Krzysztof KapelFind albums by this artist and the Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist: bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist – Poland´s Free Jazz most notable rhythm section. Together as a quartet they perform nine original compositions, five of which were composed by Przybielski and the remaining four by Bartlomiej Oles. The performances are absolutely stellar and the album is one of the best Polish (and definitely not only Polish) Jazz albums ever recorded. As much as that sounds overblown, if you can listen to this music, you´ll be instantly convinced. Any other player placed opposite (or side by side) a genius like Przybielski is in a great danger of appearing pale. Luckily Kapel is capably to blow like only a few can, matching everything that Przybielski plays with a vengeance. This is simply unbelievable music, which stands easily opposite such legendary sessions as the early Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist with Don CherryFind albums by this artist. In short this is essential Jazz, which can only be played by a very small group of exceptionally gifted players, which is definitely the case here. Brilliant!

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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ANDRZEJ PRZYBIELSKI / CUSTOM TRIO ~ ANDRZEJ PRZYBIELSKI & CUSTOM TRIO POLONIA 273 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 This is the second album by legendary Polish Jazz trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist with the Custom TrioFind albums by this artist, which consists of saxophonist Janusz SmykFind albums by this artist, bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist – Poland´s most respected Free Jazz rhythm section). The music was recorded live at a coffee house in Bydgoszcz, a town where Przybielski lived and which is an important center of Polish Free Jazz / Improvised Music activity. They perform seven original compositions, all composed by Przybielski except one co-composed with Tymon TymanskiFind albums by this artist, another legendary Polish Jazz figure and the pioneer of Yass. Sadly the sound quality is truly sub-standard, almost certainly captured on a portable cassette recorder, which hampers the otherwise sublime musical experience. The music is of course simply magnificent, presenting the essence of Free Jazz at its absolute apex, performed with flair and complete dedication. Przybielski is at top form and his solos soar straight to heaven. The young and relatively little known Smyk also plays like there is no tomorrow, standing firmly shoulder to shoulder with the Maestro. The fabulous rhythm section drives the entire vehicle forward ceaselessly with outstanding energy and drive. In retrospect there are very few other Polish Jazz recordings of this kind, which can be considered similar in quality and importance. Just a decade after this recording was made Przybielski died, neglected, lonely and forsaken. His talent was never recognized and appreciated during his lifetime, his complex personality and behavioral abnormalities estranged him from society and of course the establishment. Like so many great Artists the recognition, albeit marginal, was absolutely too little, too late. Therefore this album is another important piece of the limited legacy Przybielski left us to remember him by and of course an essential piece of Polish Jazz history.

Updated: 02/01/2017Posted:

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ANDRZEJ PRZYBIELSKI & OLES BROTHERS ~ SHORT FAREWELL AUDIO CAVE 2021/001 (Barcode: 5908298549209) ~ POLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 2003 Released: 2021 This is an archival album presenting recordings made by the legendary Polish Jazz trumpeter Andrzej PrzybielskiFind albums by this artist, with the superb rhythm section consisting of bassist Marcin OlesFind albums by this artist and his twin brother Bartlomiej OlesFind albums by this artist (collectively known as Oles BrothersFind albums by this artist). These recordings were considered lost for all these years until now, and after being miraculously recovered and restored, are presented here for the first time. The album presents eleven original compositions, one twelve minutes long and the others running from just under half a minute and up to about four minutes. Three of the compositions are credited to Przybielski, six to Oles Brothers, one to the trio and finally one to Bartlomiej Oles. Przybielski and Oles Brothers recorded together several times, going back to the turn of the Millennium. First they recorded two albums with the Custom TrioFind albums by this artist, which featured the Oles Brothers: “Free BopFind albums with this title” and “Andrzej Przybielski & Custom TrioFind albums with this title”. At the time the music included here was recorded (2003), they recorded the album “AbstractFind albums with this title” and some years later (2010) they recorded the album “De ProfundisFind albums with this title”. This album is of course a precious addition to their common recorded legacy and a historic document of the outmost importance. Przybielski, who died in 2011, was one of Polish Jazz most idiosyncratic figures, a fearless Avant-Gardist and a loner, who was rejected by the local Jazz mainstream and its establishment and as a result was offered relatively few opportunities to record and perform, always acting on the artistic fringe. His sublime technique allowed him to play with heartbreaking lyricism and uncompromising honesty, which sadly was recognized by but a few. I was extremely lucky and fortunate to meet and work with Przybielski during the recording of “The Book Of JobFind albums with this title” album, which left an immense impression on me at the time. It is great to see that Przybielski and his music are not forgotten and are preserved by those who knew and worked with him, carrying the legacy to the next generations. Projects, like this one, are beautiful examples of preservation of High Culture, especially in days when the world is being drowned is mindless excrements. For true fans of Polish Jazz and European Avant-Garde, this album, despite its short playing time, is an absolute must, of course, literally worth its weight in gold. It would be sacrilegious to treat this music as accidental “leftovers” and it deserves to be treated with love and respect. A great memorial gesture celebrating the tenth anniversary of Przybielski’s premature departure.

Updated: 11/03/2021Posted: 11/03/2021

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